Warm Heart blows out day before Pegasus World Cup Turf

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- Warm Heart, the favorite for Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf, blew out a half-mile in 52.82 seconds Friday morning over the Gulfstream Park main track.

Exercise rider Rachel Richardson was aboard for the move which Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch timed in splits of 13.35 seconds, 26.26, and 52.82. Richardson said a blowout the day before a race is typical for Warm Heart, who is trained by Aidan O’Brien.

“We just wanted a nice, short blow-out before the race. She’s only been here three days,” Richardson said. “Very good, very happy.”

:: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports

Richardson said Warm Heart has adapted well to the warmth of South Florida.

“It hasn’t stressed her at all,” Richardson said. “The sunshine brings out the best in us all.”

Warm Heart, a multiple Group 1 winner in Europe and the runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, is expected to be retired from racing following Saturday’s race. She is scheduled to be bred to 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.